Microsoft Ends Office 365 Microsoft Store Support
In July 2025, Microsoft announced ending support for Office 365 applications installed through the Microsoft Store. Starting October 2025, no new updates or features will be delivered, with security fixes ending December 2026. Microsoft will focus exclusively on Click-to-Run versions for ongoing maintenance.
Click-to-Run vs Microsoft Store Differences
Click-to-Run versions install minimized packages with background updates and optional component skipping. Microsoft Store versions lose feature updates after October 2025 and security patches after December 2026. Online features impact remains unclear.
Check Your Office Installation Type
- Open Word, Excel, or any Office app
- Navigate to File > Account
- View About section for version details
- Look for “Microsoft Store” or “Click-to-Run” designation
Upgrade to Click-to-Run Process
- Download Microsoft 365 Apps installer
- Run installer to auto-detect current version
- Automatically removes Microsoft Store variant
- Installs Click-to-Run with existing license
Valid Office 365 license required. No new license purchase needed for existing Microsoft Store customers.
Additional Context and Changes
Microsoft Publisher discontinued in 2025; Word, PowerPoint, Designer, and Microsoft Create recommended alternatives. Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025, affecting Office functionality. Consolidation mirrors Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition strategy.
